Oulavong landed her school a $2,500 Best Buy Teach Award for her creative uses of interacting technology with various art forms in the classroom.

"In our global economy, it's important for students to be knowledgeable in technology. I believe it adds more relevance to the art curriculum and gives them a sense of empowerment," Oulavong said.

In Oulavong's class, students learn how they can combine artistry with highly technological advances by experimenting with digital cameras, scanners and digital-imaging software, as well as communicating with the world by posting their art pieces on the Internet.

"Not everyone is comfortable with expressing themselves verbally or through the written word. Using the scanner and digital recorders they can share their art with the rest of the community, family members in other states, and even send it to other parts of the world."

Students then create a presentation in Power Point, including a statement and information about their artwork. By the end of the year, students will print out a book or electronic portfolio of their work.

"After witnessing my students work so hard, they inspire me to become a better student and effective art teacher. We should not be afraid of technology, especially when it is so ingrained in our society."

Best Buy's judges lauded Oulavong for teaching aspiring artists how to use a digital camera and scanner to record the progress of their work. She shows them how images can be manipulated using photo-editing software and posted in the school's art Web gallery at www.artsonia.com/schools/school.asp?id=9303.

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